Portland

Portland, Maine sits on a peninsula in Casco Bay, and the cruise terminal is right in the Old Port district. The cobblestone streets have independent shops, bookstores, and a concentration of restaurants that's earned the city a reputation well above its size. Portland Head Light, a lighthouse on the rocky coast south of the city, is one of the most photographed in New England. The Old Port's food scene is the star. Lobster rolls (go with butter over mayo), fresh oysters, and craft beer are everywhere. The Portland Lobster Company and Eventide Oyster Co. are reliable options. The Portland Museum of Art has American and European paintings in a good building. The Eastern Promenade trail runs along the waterfront with harbour views. Casco Bay Lines runs ferry trips to the nearby islands. The US dollar is the currency. Walking covers most of the port area easily.